Verb tenses tell us when actions happen in time. They... Show more
English
IrishSign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
10
•
Updated Mar 21, 2026
•
Mastering Verb Tenses: Past, Present, and Future
1 / 5
Verb Tenses
Verb tenses show us exactly when an action happens. These tenses are super important because they tell your reader or listener if something already happened, is happening now, or will happen later.
Think of verbs as the "doing" words in your sentences. The tense of a verb acts like a time machine, taking your reader to the right point in time - past, present, or future.
Getting your tenses right means people will understand exactly what you mean. It's all about being clear about when things happen!
Quick Tip: Imagine a timeline with three sections: Past (yesterday), Present (now), and Future (tomorrow). Every action you describe fits somewhere on this timeline!
The Three Main Tenses
Everything we talk about happens in one of three time zones. These are the building blocks of talking about time:
Past Tense is used when the action has already finished. Think of words like yesterday, last week, or this morning when something has already happened.
Present Tense shows action happening now or regularly. We use this with words like today, every Tuesday, or right now.
Future Tense is for actions that haven't happened yet. Look for time markers like tomorrow, next year, or later.
Each main tense can be either Simple or Continuous, which gives us more specific ways to talk about when things happen.
Remember: The three main tenses are like three different rooms in the house of time - past, present and future!
Breaking Down the Tenses
Let's explore how each tense works in more detail:
Simple Present is for facts, habits and regular actions. For example: "The sun rises in the east" (fact) or "I walk to school every day" (habit). Remember to add -s for he/she/it (She walks, He plays).
Present Continuous shows actions happening right now. We form it with am/is/are + verb-ing. For example: "I am doing my homework" or "She is kicking the football."
Simple Past is for completed actions. Most verbs just add -ed: "I walked to school yesterday" or "We watched a film last night."
Past Continuous describes ongoing past actions, often interrupted. Form it with was/were + verb-ing: "I was watching television when my mum called."
Got it? Think of Simple tenses as taking a snapshot, while Continuous tenses are more like short videos showing action in progress.
Future Tense and Irregular Verbs
Simple Future describes actions that will happen. Form it with will + verb: "I will go to the shop later" or "We will have a test on Friday."
Future Continuous shows ongoing future actions at a specific time. Use will be + verb-ing: "This time tomorrow, I will be sitting on a plane."
Irregular Verbs are the tricky ones! They don't follow the -ed rule for past tense. You need to learn these by heart:
- go → went
- come → came
- see → saw
- eat → ate
- run → ran
- say → said
- make → made
- take → took
- think → thought
For example, you'd say "I went to the Gaeltacht" (correct), not "I goed to the Gaeltacht" (wrong).
Don't worry! Even though irregular verbs seem difficult, you already know many of them from everyday speaking. With practice, they'll become second nature!
Putting It All Together
Let's identify tenses in some example sentences:
"Aoife is reading her book in the library." This is Present Continuous because it has "is" + "reading" . It's happening right now.
"My dad drove me to the match on Saturday." This is Simple Past using the irregular verb "drove" (from "drive"). The action is finished.
"We will learn about the Vikings next term." This is Simple Future because it uses "will" + the base verb "learn". It hasn't happened yet.
Things to watch out for:
- Add -s for he/she/it in simple present (She likes ice cream)
- Continuous tenses ALWAYS need -ing
- Learn those irregular verbs - flashcards can help!
- Watch for spelling changes when adding -ed or -ing (stop → stopped, hope → hoping)
You've got this! When you're stuck on which tense to use, just ask yourself: "When is this happening?" Past, present, or future will point you in the right direction.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content in English
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5
App Store
4.7/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Mastering Verb Tenses: Past, Present, and Future
Verb tenses tell us when actions happen in time. They help us communicate clearly about the past, present, and future. Understanding verb tenses is key to writing and speaking correctly in English.
Verb Tenses
Verb tenses show us exactly when an action happens. These tenses are super important because they tell your reader or listener if something already happened, is happening now, or will happen later.
Think of verbs as the "doing" words in your sentences. The tense of a verb acts like a time machine, taking your reader to the right point in time - past, present, or future.
Getting your tenses right means people will understand exactly what you mean. It's all about being clear about when things happen!
Quick Tip: Imagine a timeline with three sections: Past (yesterday), Present (now), and Future (tomorrow). Every action you describe fits somewhere on this timeline!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
The Three Main Tenses
Everything we talk about happens in one of three time zones. These are the building blocks of talking about time:
Past Tense is used when the action has already finished. Think of words like yesterday, last week, or this morning when something has already happened.
Present Tense shows action happening now or regularly. We use this with words like today, every Tuesday, or right now.
Future Tense is for actions that haven't happened yet. Look for time markers like tomorrow, next year, or later.
Each main tense can be either Simple or Continuous, which gives us more specific ways to talk about when things happen.
Remember: The three main tenses are like three different rooms in the house of time - past, present and future!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Breaking Down the Tenses
Let's explore how each tense works in more detail:
Simple Present is for facts, habits and regular actions. For example: "The sun rises in the east" (fact) or "I walk to school every day" (habit). Remember to add -s for he/she/it (She walks, He plays).
Present Continuous shows actions happening right now. We form it with am/is/are + verb-ing. For example: "I am doing my homework" or "She is kicking the football."
Simple Past is for completed actions. Most verbs just add -ed: "I walked to school yesterday" or "We watched a film last night."
Past Continuous describes ongoing past actions, often interrupted. Form it with was/were + verb-ing: "I was watching television when my mum called."
Got it? Think of Simple tenses as taking a snapshot, while Continuous tenses are more like short videos showing action in progress.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Future Tense and Irregular Verbs
Simple Future describes actions that will happen. Form it with will + verb: "I will go to the shop later" or "We will have a test on Friday."
Future Continuous shows ongoing future actions at a specific time. Use will be + verb-ing: "This time tomorrow, I will be sitting on a plane."
Irregular Verbs are the tricky ones! They don't follow the -ed rule for past tense. You need to learn these by heart:
- go → went
- come → came
- see → saw
- eat → ate
- run → ran
- say → said
- make → made
- take → took
- think → thought
For example, you'd say "I went to the Gaeltacht" (correct), not "I goed to the Gaeltacht" (wrong).
Don't worry! Even though irregular verbs seem difficult, you already know many of them from everyday speaking. With practice, they'll become second nature!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Putting It All Together
Let's identify tenses in some example sentences:
"Aoife is reading her book in the library." This is Present Continuous because it has "is" + "reading" . It's happening right now.
"My dad drove me to the match on Saturday." This is Simple Past using the irregular verb "drove" (from "drive"). The action is finished.
"We will learn about the Vikings next term." This is Simple Future because it uses "will" + the base verb "learn". It hasn't happened yet.
Things to watch out for:
- Add -s for he/she/it in simple present (She likes ice cream)
- Continuous tenses ALWAYS need -ing
- Learn those irregular verbs - flashcards can help!
- Watch for spelling changes when adding -ed or -ing (stop → stopped, hope → hoping)
You've got this! When you're stuck on which tense to use, just ask yourself: "When is this happening?" Past, present, or future will point you in the right direction.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
0
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Practice Test ✓ Essay Outlines
Practice Test
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Most popular content in English
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5
App Store
4.7/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user